Sightseeing & Landmarks in Malaga

The city of Malaga invites you to discover all it has to offer as it slowly unfolds itself in front of the world.

The charming city presents innumerable sightseeing attractions that range from the historical Alcazaba to the numerous cathedrals and museums. The city has preserved its old heritage well while blending in the modern values. Its splendid sights and views provide ample opportunity to take memorable photographs.

CC/Hedwig Storch

Alcazaba (Fortress)

King Badis of the Zirid Dynasty built the Alcazaba Fortress in 1040 to protect the royal family from outside invaders. Situated on the highest point of the hill, it's one of the best-preserved Alcazaba (from the Arabic word al-qasbah which literally translates to the English word citadel), in Spain. The Moorish Muslim rulers that erected the fortress used the remains (visible in its columns and pillars) of a Roman theatre lying adjacent to the Moorish construction.

CC/Dylan Jenkinson

Malaga Cathedral (Catedral de la Encarnación de Málaga)

Between the 16th - 18th centuries, Diego Siloe planned the Malaga Cathedral also known as Catedral de la Encarnación on the site of a mosque, which represented eight centuries of Muslim power. Though the construction of the cathedral continued until the 18th century, it is still unfinished as the main façade and south tower is incomplete. Along with the splendid sculptures and rare antique architecture, the cathedral also houses its own museum.

Sea Life Benalmádena

Sea Life Benalmádena

The Sea Life Centre of Benalmádena (suburb of Malaga) consists of many types of maritime recreations including a variety of exotic fish displays, shark feedings, incredible underwater tunnel and rockpool experience. Additionally, it has a section dedicated to the life at sea, where you can find ships, models, and other fishermen tools.

CC/RubiMA1

Gibralfaro Castle (Castillo de Gibralfaro)

The ruins of the Gibralfaro castle lie on the slopes of the Malaga hill overlooking the city and the Mediterranean Sea. A Moorish castle of an unknown origin, Yusuf I of the Kingdom of Granada built it during the Phoenician-Punic period. The name of castle is derived from the Arab word Yabal (hill) and another Greek word Faruh (lighthouse). The name Gibralfaro means lighthouse hill.

CC/Tajchman

Plaza de la Merced

Plaza de la Merced is a large walking plaza home to the birthplace of famous painter Pablo Picasso. The cosmopolitan square is full of cafes and temporary exhibitions, but the main attraction is Picasso's birthplace that includes a facility to incorporate the painter's works and art collections as well organises exhibitions and collections of other painters like Frank Rebaxes and Luis Molledo.

CC/Hedwig Storch

Alcazaba (Fortress)

King Badis of the Zirid Dynasty built the Alcazaba Fortress in 1040 to protect the royal family from outside invaders. Situated on the highest point of the hill, it's one of the best-preserved Alcazaba (from the Arabic word al-qasbah which literally translates to the English word citadel), in Spain. The Moorish Muslim rulers that erected the fortress used the remains (visible in its columns and pillars) of a Roman theatre lying adjacent to the Moorish construction.

CC/Dylan Jenkinson

Malaga Cathedral (Catedral de la Encarnación de Málaga)

Between the 16th - 18th centuries, Diego Siloe planned the Malaga Cathedral also known as Catedral de la Encarnación on the site of a mosque, which represented eight centuries of Muslim power. Though the construction of the cathedral continued until the 18th century, it is still unfinished as the main façade and south tower is incomplete. Along with the splendid sculptures and rare antique architecture, the cathedral also houses its own museum.

Sea Life Benalmádena

Sea Life Benalmádena

The Sea Life Centre of Benalmádena (suburb of Malaga) consists of many types of maritime recreations including a variety of exotic fish displays, shark feedings, incredible underwater tunnel and rockpool experience. Additionally, it has a section dedicated to the life at sea, where you can find ships, models, and other fishermen tools.

CC/RubiMA1

Gibralfaro Castle (Castillo de Gibralfaro)

The ruins of the Gibralfaro castle lie on the slopes of the Malaga hill overlooking the city and the Mediterranean Sea. A Moorish castle of an unknown origin, Yusuf I of the Kingdom of Granada built it during the Phoenician-Punic period. The name of castle is derived from the Arab word Yabal (hill) and another Greek word Faruh (lighthouse). The name Gibralfaro means lighthouse hill.

CC/Tajchman

Plaza de la Merced

Plaza de la Merced is a large walking plaza home to the birthplace of famous painter Pablo Picasso. The cosmopolitan square is full of cafes and temporary exhibitions, but the main attraction is Picasso's birthplace that includes a facility to incorporate the painter's works and art collections as well organises exhibitions and collections of other painters like Frank Rebaxes and Luis Molledo.

CC/David Jones

Santa María de la Victoria

It is also known as Santuario de la Victoria. Built in 1487, this church features the outstanding retable which lies on top of the main altar. It was originally a hermitage, which was later replaced by a Baroque church, paid for by the Count of Beunavista. The insides feature a noteworthy "camarín" of the Virgin, gesso artwork and crypt of the Buenavista family.

CC/Miwipediar

The Holy Martyrs Church (Iglesia De Los Santos Martires)

It is also known as Parroquia De Los Santos Mártires. This church was erected by the Catholic Kings after conquering Spain in 1487. It is devoted to local saints and martyrs, Ciriaco and Paula killed in Malaga while defending their faith. The church, built originally in Gothic-Mudejar style features an aesthetically pleasing Baroque style interior, although the Mudejar tower is still present outside.

CC/Morancio

St. James Church (Iglesia de Santiago Apóstol)

It is also known as Parroquia Santiago Apostóle. Founded in 1490, Malaga's oldest church is built on the site of a former mosque. The church predominantly comprises of baroque style stunning interior with only the Mudejar style entrance of the original facade remaining. Most importantly it contains Pablo Picasso's baptismal certificate when he was christened in 1881.

CC/Olaf Tausch

Church of San Juan (Iglesia San Juan Bautista)

Church of San Juan Bautista church was one of the four churches founded by the Catholic Kings after their conquest of the city in 1587. It features Gothic-Mudejar style architecture with influences of Baroque and Neo-Gothic of the 19th century. Inside you can see the figure of the famous San Juan, the work of Francisco Ortiz.

CC/Jbribeiro1

Virgin of Hope of Macarena

The sacred 17th-century monument commonly known as La Esperanza or Virgin of Macarena is a wooden image of the Virgin Mary which is revered in Seville. The statue is decorated with a golden tiara, generous vestments and five diamond-and-emerald brooches contributed by the famous 20th-century matador Joselito El Gallo. The cathedral has been recently renovated and the museum contains some of the iconography.

CC/Ingo Mehling

El Chorro

El Chorro is a beautiful village located among the mountains of the Guadalhorce Natural Park. Every year El Chorro attracts hundreds of people who love adventures and adrenaline. It is known as climber`s mecca because it offers exceptional conditions that serve best outdoor experience all over the year. Come to El Chorro, rent a bike and enjoy a wonderful day in the nature surrounded by typical Andalusian landscape. You can also visit famous Caminito Del Rey, that starts here, a 100 year old mountain walkway that hangs 100 feet up on sheer cliffs.